Just 9 percent of Americans say winter is their favorite season, according to an online Reader’s Digest poll at rd.com. Spring is the overwhelming favorite among poll respondents, garnering 64 percent of the votes, with summer a distant second at 18 percent.
It appears to be official: Americans like warm weather. Cold … not so much. Which is why winter is a great time to go somewhere warm, and cruising is one of the most fun, exciting ways to get there.
Cruise lines know we love warm weather. It’s probably why so many of them offer voyages to tropical locales and cut back on trips to colder climates during winter months. With planning and patience, it’s possible to score a great deal on a winter cruise. If you live close to the west coast, you may plan your departure from San Diego or Los Angeles. Those on the east coast can look for flights to Orlando or Miami to begin their cruise adventure.
The port you begin your cruise from will influence where you can go to, but several destinations are prime choices for cruising from colder regions to warmth and sunshine:
The Bahamas
The peninsula of Florida seems to point the way to this cluster of tropical islands that were part of the United Kingdom until 1973. The Bahamas are known for glorious beaches, friendly citizens, natural wonders, exotic flora and fauna, and thoroughly modern attractions like resorts and shopping bazaars. From famous islands like Grand Bahama Island, Nassau and Bimini, to less-known ones such as the Exumas or Inagua, each island of the Bahamas has something unique to offer travelers. Cruise lines generally stick to larger ports on Grand Bahama and Nassau, but enterprising day-trippers can easily arrange their own transportation to one of the other isles.
The Caribbean
If bluer, clearer waters exist in the world than those in the Caribbean they haven’t been found yet. The region boasts more than 7,000 islands, many well-suited to tourism and accommodating cruise line adventurers. The U.S. Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands, Antigua and St. Martin are among the popular islands visited by cruise lines. In addition to wonderful beaches, beautiful waters and breath-taking natural splendor, Caribbean locales offer historical and cultural sites, water sports, gambling, world-class resorts, and a broad range of entertainment opportunities.
The Mexican Riviera
A favorite destination for cruises, including Disney cruises, departing from the west coast of the U.S., the Mexican Riviera encompasses 20 cities and lagoons on the western coast of Mexico, including popular ports of call such as Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta and Acapulco. Also known as “the Gold Coast,” the region offers warm temperatures in the 70s and 80s year-round, pristine beaches backed by majestic cliffs and lush jungle, plenty of sights and activities and even the chance to do some celebrity spotting as the area continues to be a hot draw for the jet set.
